Want a PSC scholarship- Be yourself

GIVE us the real you, the Public Service Commission (PSC) has urged youths aspiring to be government scholars.

In an open letter to schools, PSC chairman Eddie Teo described how some would give 'politically correct' answers and appear to be pro-Government, thinking that would impress the interview panel.

In doing so, 'they often end up giving the impression that they have no integrity', he said yesterday in a letter that spelt out how scholars are selected, the qualities the panel looks for, and how to prepare for the interview.

Topping the list of desired qualities is integrity, followed by commitment. Skills such as leadership and emotional quotient, or EQ, matter too.

Mr Teo's eight-page letter gives a rare glimpse into the selection process for what many see as some of the most prestigious awards in Singapore, showing especially how the civil service finds its top talents. It comes ahead of today's PSC scholarship ceremony when 84 will receive their awards from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong.

Mr Teo, a former intelligence chief and permanent secretary who was appointed PSC chairman last August, elaborated on his letter in an e- mail reply to The Straits Times.

He said 'quite a few' candidates grew uncomfortable when asked if they would act against someone in authority.

One candidate, for instance, was asked what he would do if he found his superior was corrupt. He refused to answer, 'saying he disliked dealing with such a case'.

Most of the Don'ts Mr Teo highlighted had to do with candidates trying to second- guess the interview panel.

His main tip to 18-year-olds being interviewed: Be yourself - even if it means revealing a critical and sceptical side.

'Being critical means you care about our nation and want to improve things and correct what you think is wrong. Being sceptical means you are not naive and do not accept everything you read or hear.'

The public service is not looking for conformists and 'yes- men', he said, but people who dared to think and question existing policies.

'Even a few mavericks - people with unconventional viewpoints who are willing to challenge assumptions - will be useful because they will add vitality and diversity to the service.'

He added: 'We need to know the real you to decide if you have what it takes to be a good public servant and a potential public sector leader.'

An 'interesting conversation' is really what the PSC hopes for. He said: 'We will begin to take notice when we hear something genuine and spontaneous being said which reflects your personality.'

This year, more than 2,500 students applied for PSC scholarships and 350 were shortlisted for an interview. Finally, 84 made the cut.

Besides the interview, often lasting about 30 minutes, the PSC also pored over reports from teachers and test results of psychologists.

Mr Teo reminded teachers in particular to be objective in their assessments.

'They should not exaggerate the strong qualities they see in their favourite students as it could be counter-productive, raising our expectations of the candidate when the reality does not fit the hype.

'Nor should teachers be over- critical just because a student is a bit of a maverick. As long as they do not have a problem with integrity, these are talented outliers whom our system must be flexible enough to fish out eventually.'

He assured candidates, parents and schools that the selection process was 'impartial, robust and meritocratic'.

At stake is the kind of leaders Singapore would have in the public service in 15 to 20 years' time, said Mr Teo.

If the selection is done well, many of the scholars will helm the public service as permanent secretaries and deputy secretaries, he added.

Still, some may get derailed in their careers due to poor supervisors or a bad job fit. 'But the PSC must share responsibility if we miss a fatal character flaw or are misled by false pretences,' he said.